"We have complained a couple of times. When they put the sign up it said it would start on April 11 and last for 10 weeks but we are now in the fifteenth week.

"It's a long time and some businesses cannot survive."

Donna Greensmith, aged 31, who lives opposite where the work is taking place, sympathises with the traders.

She said: "It doesn't bother me that much but these businesses have customers and will suffer."

Severn Trent spokesman Matt Wildesmith said: "As far as we are aware, we are not overrunning our schedule.

"We are keeping regular contacts with the tradesmen in Stoney Stanton Road.

"Severn Trent Water is working together with Transco so we do not cause any further disruption to the trade later in the year. Approximately half the work is done so far but we expect our part of the roadworks should only take three weeks.

"The majority of the work began on July 10 and we want to cause the minimum disruption. Any of the traders who have concerns can talk to our on-site contractor."